Viva Cruises appoints godmother for first ship in boutique line

Viva Cruises has appointed Norwegian travel industry leader Cecilie Kopperud as godmother of Viva Beyond, the first ship in its boutique line.

Kopperud is head of ocean cruise at Escape Travel, Norway’s fourth largest tour operator, and will name the 112-passenger ship in a ceremony in Paris on May 8, before it sets sail on a series of itineraries on the Seine.

Viva Cruises co-founder Andrea Kruse and Danish journalist Annamette Fuhrmann will also feature during the ceremony as a “deliberate choice” to reflect progressive leadership and “women taking visible roles at the forefront of the industry”.

Kruse said: “With Viva Beyond, we are taking river cruising a step further.

“We have created a space where aesthetics and presence are at the forefront, and where we as a company dare to show a clear direction.

“Personally, it is a great professional pride for me to see our vision for Viva Boutique come to life here in Paris, surrounded by strong women who push boundaries every day in their respective fields – and, of course, Viva Cruises’ fantastic and dedicated employees.”

Kopperud said: “To be in Paris and to have the honour of being godmother of Viva Beyond is a great privilege.

“I have spent most of my professional life working with travel on the water, and seeing a product like Viva Boutique — refined, contemporary and designed for a new generation of travellers — is truly exciting.”

“This christening is about more than a ship,” added Fuhrmann. “It is about women’s visibility, the right to take space, to lead and to show direction. Seeing Viva Beyond set sail is a powerful symbol, and one that feels especially meaningful today.”